• Lead vital conservation efforts, working in collaboration with the Whakatipu Wilding Control Group, managing critical wilding conifer removal projects across the stunning Whakatipu Basin.
• The salary range for this position is $68,535 to $86,423.
• Permanent, full-time role based in Wakatipu/Queenstown.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua. Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role
This is a critical and exciting role, working on landscape scale wilding conifer removal. NZ's number one pest plant, wilding conifers (wilding pines) are introduced, self-seeded trees growing where they are not wanted. Their seeds blow many kilometres to infest the sensitive Whakatipu alpine landscape while decimating biodiversity. Wilding pines pose a serious threat of permanently altering our valued ecosystems, landscapes and farms. Biodiversity loss occurs when they take the sun, water and nutrients other plants need. They also increase the hazard of wildfires.
We work closely with the community-led, not-for-profit Whakatipu Wilding Control Group (WCG) to set clear direction for the annual plan and foster strong collaboration across district resources. Click here for more information and to check out the WCG Strategic Plan 2023–2033.
You will have constant engagement with landowners and managers, so building and maintaining good relationships locally will be crucial to success. Reporting to the Operations Manager and working closely with a Project Administrator you'll oversea the delivery and contract management of key wilding conifer removal projects around the Whakatipu basin. This will include the planning of the methodology of tree removal (logging, clear felling, aerial lancing, arborist or aerial spray), annual budgeting across eight Management Units in the district and contract management and review. There will be a key focus on financial accountability of funds spent through the national programme and the health and safety practices of each contractor.
The role is predominantly office based, but there is a large portion of time that will be spent in the field, conducting aerial surveys or inducting and reviewing contractors at site.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong communication, relationship management, and collaboration skills.
• Experience with project delivery, including planning, implementation, resource prioritisation, and reporting within budget and timelines.
• Strong organisational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to translate technical information into easily understood concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Strong commitment to health and safety practices, with the ability to promote this culture among others.
• Critical thinker with ability plan and deliver complex conservation programmes.
• Ability to translate technical information into easily understood concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Current full New Zealand driver licence.

Desirable:

• Proven back-country experience, including proficiency with GPS.
• Experience with helicopter use.
• Chainsaw or forestry experience.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $68,535 to $86,423 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 4 November 2024.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact David Butt, Operations Manager at dbutt@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1825697